Rock in high-rolling Hong Kong
Big business on the barren rock
Hong Kong, referred to as a "barren rock" by the British minister in 1841, is now home to some of the world's biggest businesses and is a city of towering buildings and some of the planet's most precious real estate. So it may comes as a surprise to learn that 40 percent of the metropolis is national parkland, and that mountains of granite reign supreme over the transactions of mere mortals in the offices below. Those rocky crags provide the perfect playground for climbers, abseilers and paragliders of all levels — even for those of us starting at rock bottom.
Professional rock climbers have been exploring Hong Kong at altitude for almost 50 years, and never before has the sport been so accessible. Hundreds of fully-equipped routes snake their way up the city's granite and volcanic highlands.
High-flying activities
After learning some basic skills and techniques from a qualified instructor, you can take on the challenge of clawing your way to the top with just a rope and a karabiner (a metal ring used to fasten a rope) to support you high above the distant skyscrapers.
A daytrip to one of Hong Kong's challenging rock faces (Shek O, Sai Kung or Lamma Island, to name a few) provides the unique opportunity to challenge both mind and body just minutes from the urban sprawl. With an instructor to look after safety issues, you are left to seek out the next handhold. An electrifying obstacle stands between you and the bottom of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain — a roped decent, or abseil, through 60m of thundering waterfall is the only way down!
Jump off a cliff ... we dare you
For even more extreme airtime and first-hand experience in flight, paragliding is a rush that places the ultimate city views underfoot. A paraglider is an aircraft, which means a licence is required to take to the sky solo, but a tandem flight with a pro in control is the perfect way to soar like a bird. After being strapped into a double harness, you and your pilot will run in synch off a ridge high above Honkers. The initial shock of flight is followed by settling peace as you take in your surrounds. As gliders work without engines, there is no noise to distract from the awesome views all around you.
Escaping the concrete jungle for a taste of natural beauty and a jolt of adrenaline is as easy as heading for the hills. Climbing up or jumping off one of Hong Kong's not-so-barren rocks exposes a new side to "business as usual" in Asia's most charming harbour city.
Ready to rock?
RockClimbing.com offers an online guide to the mountain routes around Hong Kong.
Adventure Unlimited organises rock climbing, canyoning and waterfall abseiling instruction as part of one-day hiking trips. Tel: 852 9874 9991.
Are you on top of a little-known adventure activity in a metropolis known for its concrete and glass rather than its wild side?
